The Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has described the proposed Cybersecurity Bill as a “cyber coup” orchestrated to undermine Ghana’s democratic values and constitutional rights.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse programme, Mr. Ahiagbah said the bill, though framed as a cybersecurity initiative, is designed to suppress free expression and curtail citizens’ rights.
The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 proposes sweeping new powers for the Cyber Security Authority, from prosecuting cyber-offences to seizing digital assets.
“The whole effort, the motive behind it, is not good for our democracy. This is not about cybersecurity; they are fighting; this is a coup they are orchestrating against our constitutional rights. They are determined to curtail our rights, and I think we shouldn’t just countenance it,” he said.
He argued that the proposed legislation, if passed, could serve as a tool to clamp down on dissenting voices under the guise of tackling online misinformation and hate speech, stressing that its purpose and intent remain unclear.
“There is another bill that I think is working its way along this misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and publication of other issues… What is all this? What is the problem really? What is happening?” he questioned.
Mr Ahiagbah warned that the bill would empower the state to monitor citizens’ online activities, thereby eroding privacy and civil liberties.
“This thing—they should quietly disappear with it. This whole thing is going to promote surveillance on citizens and give them needless powers to invade our privacy,” he added.
He emphasised that, rather than introducing laws that could stifle freedoms, efforts should be directed towards strengthening existing democratic institutions and promoting accountability.